Loewen feels 'really blessed' for chance to pitch in MLB for 1st time since 2008

When the Philadelphia Phillies announced they were recalling Adam Loewen on Thursday, they allowed him to return to the majors as a pitcher for the first time since 2008.

The southpaw cracked the Baltimore Orioles rotation in 2006 at the age of 22, but was affected by elbow injuries over the next two seasons leading to his decision to leave the mound and continue his career as an outfielder and first baseman in 2008.

"That was a crazy decision. I don't know where I came up with the (guts) to do that," Loewen told Baseball America.

The Canadian spent five minor-league seasons in the field, eventually earning a recall and playing 14 games with his home-country Toronto Blue Jays in 2011 where he hit the only home run of his MLB career.

It was in the Venezuelan Winter League where Loewen realized he no longer had pain in his arm when pitching. After signing with the Phillies and spending 2014 as a starter in the minors, the 31-year-old moved to the bullpen this season and is sporting an impressive 2.01 ERA in 40 relief appearances split between Double- and Triple-A.

"I've been really blessed to have a third opportunity," Loewen said following the call-up. "I feel lucky to be here."

Loewen was the fourth-overall pick in 2002, the highest-ever for a Canadian-born player. Zack Greinke, Prince Fielder, Scott Kazmir, and Cole Hamels were among the players selected after him.